A Dance of Aromas & Flavors - Ponzi Vineyards

ꜱᴜᴘᴇʀᴄᴀʟɪꜰʀᴀɢɪʟɪꜱᴛɪᴄᴇxᴘɪᴀʟɪᴅᴏᴄɪᴏᴜꜱ (meaning extraordinarily good thanks to Mary Poppins 😉) yes my friends we are in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Located in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley, Ponzi Vineyards is a founding winery that has been crafting world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for over 50 years. Established in 1970 by Dick and Nancy Ponzi, the winery has played a pivotal role in putting the Willamette Valley on the map as a renowned wine region. Ponzi's wines are known for their elegance, complexity, and balance, and are produced using low-intervention methods that showcase the unique terroir of the Laurelwood District AVA. Today, Ponzi Vineyards is led by Luisa Ponzi, the daughter of the founders, who continues to carry on the family's legacy of winemaking excellence.

Ponzi Vineyards Laurelwood District Pinot Noir 2021

▪️Pours into the glass reveals a captivating medium ruby hue, shimmering with garnet edges. As the wine swirls, the first whiff is an intoxicating swirl of berries along with spice, mushrooms and dried leaves. Black peppercorn tingles the nose, followed by the warmth of nutmeg and a whisper of mesquite smoke with delicate floral notes of lavender and dried rose petal.

▪️The first sip explodes with vibrant fruit - luscious blueberry burst forth, followed by a sweet-tart cranberry rhubarb and juicy black cherry cola symphony. But this is no one-dimensional fruit bomb, no sir. Earthiness emerges, with hints of forest floor and damp moss. Vanilla and milk chocolate sweetness arrive. Spice takes center stage again, with a dusting of cinnamon and a whisper of clove, weaving beautifully with the fruit.

▪️The texture is pure velvet, with fine-grained tannins that gently caress the tongue. Acidity plays a lively role, keeping the palate refreshed and the flavors dancing. It's a wine that lingers long after the last sip, leaving behind a memory of every layer it’s complex elegant personality. This is a wine to savor slowly, to contemplate its every layer, and to appreciate the dedication and skill poured into each bottle.

This versatile Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Roasted duck breast with cherry sauce, grilled salmon with herb crust, a mature Comte.